Opinion Writing Introduction to Public Opinion Important Link
Opinion Writing Introduction to Public Opinion Important Link: http: //worldpublicopinion. org Feature Writing by Sally Adams Art of Column Writing edited by Suzette Martinez Standring
Introduction to Opinion Writing • Media have been playing crucial role in molding public opinion, Media play a leading role in the formation of public opinion. • Public Opinion is a collective expression and representation of Public feelings, wants and attitude towards a certain issue, incident, policy or event. • People who have interest in an issue or who can be affected by the outcome of the issue form public opinion about that particular issue. • Opinions are highly sensitive to the events, opinions, don’t anticipate event but react to them. Events trigger formation of the public opinion.
Why Public Opinion Matters? Public Opinion is a great source of: • Determining current image of an individual/organization • Reveals need for the social change • Predicts developmental future of an organization or state • Proposes agendas • Policy formulation and Planning
Formation of Public Opinion • Sources of formation of Public Opinion: • • • Media Interpersonal and Group Communication Pressure Groups Opinion Leaders Political Lobby Symposia, lectures, seminars and conferences: Brainstorming, sharing, constructing idea in a conducive environment, refine public opinion. Educates public opinion.
Difference between Fact, Argument and Opinion • Opinion is combination of facts, arguments and opinion. Arguments are statements backed by reasons, facts and examples. Arguments are logically organized. • Examples: • School teachers are hostile as there are number of cases reported in the India about increasing violence against children in school, local officials has 31 registered cases against primary teachers in nearby villages. • Interiors Ministry has issued strict orders against unregistered NGOs and Welfare organization in Pakistan so far 67 un registered NGOs are closed down in this week only. This is an important step to curb foreign aid and intervention but government should not over look the suspicious activities going inside the registered organizations.
Introduction to Editorial Writing • Definition and Overview • Function of Editorial • Types of Editorial • Sources for Writing Editorials
Definition and Overview • Corporate voice or position of Media organization on any given issue of Public Interest. • A comment or an argument in support of a particular policy, action, idea. It can be an argument exhibiting logical reasoning of the newspaper using the thoughts of proprietor for the purpose of persuading the readers to take decision in favor or against an idea, policy or an action based on facts available.
Characteristics of Editorial • Editorial must be on the topical issue that has been reported in Mass Media • Issues must attract public attention and must engage masses in the debates • Reflections of different journalistic approaches (investigative, interpretative) • Editorial should reflect objectivity, precision, advocacy
Functions of Editorial • Criticize social, political, cultural and economic dilemmas of the society. • Critically assess exploitative and autocratic government policies can be attached by editorials. • Explain and analyze complex issues for public understanding • Bring debatable issues and provide intellectual compass for the society to discuss and resolve current issues. • Influence policy formulation or decision making on certain issues. Set proactive agendas for good governance of the society. • Provide people with socio-political judgements • Preserve nations sacred institutions • Participate in meaningful developmental projects of the state. • Initiates pathway for lawmakers, initiates bills that eventually becomes laws • Mobilize populace to support good cause • Uncover inefficiency and mal administration
Types of Editorial • Explanatory: • Open and explain thought provoking issues of socio-political economic interest • Develop and build public interest in various issues. • Such editorial identify a problem, explain it and the allow the reader to find solution and draw conclusions. • Interpretative: • • Interpretation of given issue from various aspects Leading the audience judgment in the certain way Writer can take negative, positive or neutral stance while interpreting the issue. Example: Reaction to the Story Published on October 14, 2016 in Dawn News
Types of Editorial continue… • Critical: • Packaged with critical mission or mandate to propagate a specific view point. • Can include criticism of a policy, action, policy, performance and institution • Example: Abuse of Power Published on October 14, 2016 in The Nation • Praise • This type of editorial is written to acknowledge and appreciate an action, service or policy • Example: Peaceful Ashura Published on October 14, 2016 in Dawn News
Editorial Writing-Sources • Research for Editorial • News Reports • Press Files • Use of secondary research • Online data bases • Gazettes • Biographies • Books • Proceedings • Briefings • Observation and Field Research • Social Forums: Seminars, Conferences, Profound • Experts & Officials • Specialized Resources: Embassies and Bureaus
Writing for Editorial • Qualities of good editorial Writer: • • • Intellectual Curiosity: Ability to probe issues from critical point of view Mastery of Language Good knowledge Rational Reasoning Analytical Mind • Analyzing pros and cons of an issue • Harmonize both opposing and supportive variables in an editorial structure
Structure of the Editorial • Title • Introduction/Lead Paragraph • Body Copy • Conclusion
Title • Should be Active, Catchy, Sharp • Should be able to provide useful hints • Types of title: • Questions: What a country? Can we improve? • Saying or quote: Arise O Compatriots? Bell the Cat! • Rhythmic: Sapped by NAB, Put up or Shut up
Introduction or Lead Paragraph • Lead paragraph should incorporate: • Brief background of Issue • Appropriate length • News peg: Part of the story that contains the main elements or major gist of the content • Should be able to provide a link to the details
Body Copy • Body of the editorial should incorporate: • • • Analysis and Discussion Writing Approach 1. 1 Problem identification- explanation- solution 1. 2 Thesis-Anti thesis- synthesis Quotes/phrases Facts/arguments/opinions
Conclusion • Last paragraph of the editorial, usually conclusion may be a re affirmation of earlier position/idea advocated by the editorial writer in the body of editorial. • It can have following formats: • Straight-Away summary • Quotable ending • Appeal for action
FINAL TERM EXAM
1. Distinctive characteristics of different opinion forms Editorials No byline No illustrations Result of group effort, topics assigned by editorial board. Has a specific place and subject to limited space in newspaper regularly. Corporate voice/Corporate concern NO reporting speech All glories, blames and credits may be go to the media establishment. Features Byline Have photographic illustration Usually individual effort Usually appears in magazines, 2 spread sheet, is not subject to specific place. Column Carries personality, style and identity of writer. Reporting speech I Byline, style, positions, stance are manifest in write-ups. Appears regularly on opinion page, regular feature.
Feature Writing • Feature: A story/ article about people, event, place, life. It is written in an interesting and creative manner with info drawn from people involved, eye witnesses, experts on the subject and those affected by the subject.
Types of Features • News feature: It can be defined as an in-depth examination of a current issue or event. • In-built advantage: There is already public interest in the subject matters. • Interpretative treatment of issues beyond the boundaries of straight forward reporting. These are human-interest features on victims, hospital staff, police and witnesses • Backgrounder: About Background, context and circumstances surrounding a news event. • For instance a news law/bill is passed. There might be features on history of law in state, lobbying efforts to push, halt legislation. • Investigative features: May comprise of statements, findings, documentation, detailed analytical piece • Entails narrative writing with chronological structures create a story telling format.
Types of Features • Profile features • Condensing person’s life history on one paper. • A good feature writer will search for the pivotal events/ circumstances that contributed to profile’s success. • Profiles are often someone who is newsworthy because of position, attitudes, beliefs, circumstances or association with a significant even. • Common questions: motivations? Inspirations? How did they get where they are? • Seasonal: Features of national day, defense day, eid, Christmas. • How-to-do-it: Has considerable practical importance. Opinion pieces for gardening, how to file taxation return. • Historical: Put current events , individuals or circumstances into perspective. They remind the community where it has been where it might be going.
Feature Writing • Parts of Introduction: • Hook: A hook is usually a comment/quotation/question that inspires an emotional response from the reader • Comment/Background/Topic Statement: Add some information regarding the topic • Establish Final statement: Open declaration of the topics • Example topic: "Living in big city" • Hook: Can you imagine how much a single day can cost if you live in Shibuya, Tokyo? • Comments and background: Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The prices of things in Tokyo are much higher than in other parts of Japan. Many people living in Tokyo have a difficult time paying for their lifestyles. • Thesis Statement: Tokyo definitely is one of the most expensive cities for many reasons.
Types of Introduction • Historical review • Anecdotal • Surprising statement • Famous person • Declarative
Strategies for Writing a Conclusion • Conclusion should: • stress the importance of thesis statement, • give the essay a sense of completeness, and • Leave a final impression on the reader.
Suggestions • Answer the question "So What? " • Show your readers why this paper was important. Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful. • Synthesize, don't summarize • Don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. They have read it. Show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together. • Redirect your readers • Give your reader something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the "real" world. If your introduction went from general to specific, make your conclusion go from specific to general. Think globally. • Create a new meaning • You don't have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture. Often the sum of the paper is worth more than its parts.
Strategies for Writing conclusions 1. Echoing the introduction: Echoing your introduction can be a good strategy if it is meant to bring the reader full-circle. If you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay was helpful in creating a new understanding. • Example • Introduction: From the parking lot, I could see the towers of the castle of the Magic Kingdom standing stately against the blue sky. To the right, the tall peak of The Matterhorn rose even higher. From the left, I could hear the jungle sounds of Adventureland. As I entered the gate, Main Street stretched before me with its quaint shops evoking an old-fashioned small town so charming it could never have existed. I was entranced. Disneyland may have been built for children, but it brings out the child in adults. • Conclusion: I thought I would spend a few hours at Disneyland, but here I was at 1: 00 A. M. , closing time, leaving the front gates with the now dark towers of the Magic Kingdom behind me. I could see tired children, toddling along and struggling to keep their eyes open as best they could. Others slept in their parents' arms as we waited for the parking lot tram that would take us to our cars. My forty-year-old feet ached, and I felt a bit sad to think that in a couple of days I would be leaving California, my vacation over, to go back to my desk. But then I smiled to think that for at least a day I felt ten years old again.
Strategies for Writing conclusions 2. Challenging the reader: By issuing a challenge to your readers, you are helping them to redirect the information in the paper, and they may apply it to their own lives. • Example: Though serving on a jury is not only a civic responsibility but also an interesting experience, many people still view jury duty as a chore that interrupts their jobs and the routine of their daily lives. However, juries are part of America's attempt to be a free and just society. Thus, jury duty challenges us to be interested and responsible citizens.
Strategies for Writing conclusions 3. Looking to the future: Looking to the future can emphasize the importance of your paper or redirect the readers' thought process. It may help them apply the new information to their lives or see things more globally. • Example: Without well-qualified teachers, schools are little more than buildings and equipment. If higher-paying careers continue to attract the best and the brightest students, there will not only be a shortage of teachers, but the teachers available may not have the best qualifications. Our youth will suffer. And when youth suffers, the future suffers.
Strategies for Writing conclusions 4. Posing questions: Posing questions, either to your readers or in general, may help your readers gain a new perspective on the topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion. It may also bring your main ideas together to create a new meaning. • Example: Campaign advertisements should help us understand the candidate's qualifications and positions on the issues. Instead, most tell us how they present general images of the candidate as a family person or God-fearing American. Do such advertisements contribute to creating an informed electorate or a people who choose political leaders the same way they choose soft drinks and soap?
Presentation of Feature • Other than text features may also have: • Simple fact: box • Complex facts: table • Added value boxes: other relevant and recommended readings • Advice boxes • Speed-read summary • Statistics • Pictures • Slug
Column Writing Elements of the Columns: • Voice: Writing Style of The columnist • POV: Writing perspective of the columnist • Personal Bias: Bias is acceptable but with accuracy and fairness • Goal of the Column Writer: To encourage, To aware, To entertain • Fighting with Homogeneous Style: Bringing Innovation & Creativity • Central Theme of The Column: Focal Point of the Column • Story telling technique: Narrate the issue in form of a story, personalize the issues to create a close connection with readers • Ordering the Writing: Order the Writing so questions in a reader’s mind are answered in a logical sequence • Make Every word Count: Use Short sentences, Careful selection of the words, Avoid Repetition.
Column Writing Format: • Theatrical Treatment: Getting character on stage, Presentation of the Character, Entering the Dilemma of the Story • Types of Introduction: Express Outrage, Curiosity, Belonging, Provocation, Humor, Shock, Discomfort • Body Text: Arrange the Paragraphs Logical: Try to cover all angles of story • Conclusion: Give the Reminder of the purpose, Leave the final impression on the reader’s mind.
Review Writing • Review Writing: A critical assessment of aw art from form or aw entertainment. You have probably been speaking reviews since you first saw a movie. • Difference between “listing and review” • Listing: Connection of fractural information, only provides information about a movie, drama or book. Lacks critical analysis. • Review: Describes work, express opinion and provides analysis about an art form along with information. Leads
Difference between tabloid and broadsheet review • Tabloids: : Short and snappy, has a lot of sensational details, provides exaggerated claims about movies. Generally more concerned about entertainment values of the movie. • Broadsheet: Carefully argued reviews observer 1, 000 words; Critically analyses every aspect of movie. • Magazine: Magazines prefer short reviews 350 words, designers would not like to pack page with grey columns of words, glossy medium.
Writing Reviews-Movies • Considerations for review writers: • Must offer a good combination of description, analysis and criticism. • Should compare examples of previous works of an artist, director, writer. Provide an analysis of strengths and weaknesses. • Movie review writers should watch a movie from three perspectives: • As critic/reviewer: To critically assess the over all movie • As director: To assess the technicalities of the movie • As Audience: To assess the entertainment and engagement values of the movie • Develop framework (stance, favorable, critical) • Arrangement of positive, negative points • Use past tense when writing review
Criteria for analysis • • • Cast and Characters Direction Story, Script and Screen Play Cinematography Music Direction Editing Plot (Intro-Interval-Climax-Post Climax) As audience As critic Big Picture: What movie contributes to cinema and society overall? Commercial Success Language analysis: List down terms/adjectives used in review.
Online Opinion Writing Forums for publishing opinion online: • Blogs • News Blogs • Online Communities/Groups • Determine your interest of writing • May add reviews/commentaries, endorsements, debates, Narrative (personal account) • Blogs often combine with video/audio, images, websites, and online sources • Catering wide audience • Adding values to the readers • Series of posts
Features of Writing Online • • Facility of user participation Interactivity/ Audience Feedback Increased Audience Feedback Crowdsourcing: It allows crowd sourcing where number of participates can contribute at the same time. • Facilitates Online Story Package – an online news story that uses multiple media (text, photos, video, audio, graphics) working together to tell a story/opinion piece. • Provides Information Graphic (Infographic) – a visual representation (graphs, charts, timelines, etc. ) used to make facts or concepts easier to understand
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